Sensors Systems Engineer (All Genders)

Stark Defence; Deutschland; Remote; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence is seeking a Sensor Systems Engineer in Germany to lead the design and integration of perception systems for UAV platforms. You will own optical specifications, from concept to lab debugging, with a focus on EO/IR cameras, IMUs, and gimbals.

You will implement robust interfaces with embedded compute modules using C++ and Python for automated tests, calibration, and data pipelines, while balancing SWaP constraints in a fast-paced defence environment.

Qualifications

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Strong understanding of applied optics, camera systems, and sensor formats.
• Experience with hardware suppliers and technical procurement decisions.
• Hands-on experience with EO/IR cameras and IMUs.
• Proficient with hardware debugging tools and lab measurements.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage relationships with external sensor and optics suppliers, reviewing complex datasheets to ensure components meet mission parameters.
• Define core optical specifications (e.g., focal length, Field of View, MTF) leveraging optical physics and system requirements.
• Own end-to-end physical and electronic integration of EO/IR cameras, IMUs, lenses, and gimbals into platforms.
• Use C++ to interface with sensor SDKs and ensure robust data flow to embedded compute modules.
• Script hardware tests, automate optical lab equipment, and analyze sensor pipelines using C++ and Python.
• Execute intrinsic and extrinsic calibration routines to align IMUs with optical axes.
• Balance optical resolution against SWaP through cross-functional design reviews.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Optical Engineering

Mechatronics

Python

Education

Electrical/Optical Engineering degree

Tools

C++

Python

Oscilloscopes

Job description

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.

Why Join Us?

• The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.
• You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.
• We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

About the Team

Our perception team is responsible for the "eyes and inner ear" of STARK's unmanned aerial vehicles. We are a multidisciplinary group of hardware, optical, and software engineers dedicated to integrating cutting-edge sensors into resource-constrained platforms. As a member of this team, you will collaborate closely with mechanical designers and autonomy engineers in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Together, we ensure our UAVs can reliably navigate and perform in the most demanding and extreme conditions.

Your Mission

As aSensor Systems Engineer, you will be thearchitect of our platforms' physical perception systems, focusing heavily on the integration of EO/IR cameras, IMUs, and Lidar. You will take ownership of the entire hardware lifecycle, from defining optical specifications to debugging high-speed electrical interfaces in the lab. Your ultimate goal is to deliver highly optimized, ruggedized sensor payloads that push the limits of Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP).

Responsibilities

• Evaluateand manage technical relationships with external sensor and optics suppliers, reviewing complex datasheets to ensure components meet strict mission parameters.
• Definecore optical specifications (e.g., focal length, Field of View, MTF) leveraging a deep understanding of optical physics and system-level requirements.
• Ownthe end-to-end physical and electronic integration of EO/IR cameras, IMUs, lenses, and gimbals into our platforms.
• UseC++ code to interface directly with sensor SDKs and ensure robust data flow to the embedded compute modules.
• Scripthardware tests, automate optical lab equipment, and analyze sensor data pipelines utilizing C++ and Python.
• Executeintrinsic and extrinsic calibration routines to align IMUs with optical axes.
• Navigatecomplex design trade-offs with cross-functional teams to balance optical resolution against strict weight, thermal, and power constraints.

Required Skills

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Deep understanding of applied optics, including lens selection, camera architectures, sensor formats, and radiometric performance.
• Experience handling hardware suppliers, vetting vendor specifications, and driving technical procurement decisions.
• Strong foundational knowledge of imaging systems (EO and IR cameras) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs).
• Proven hands‑on experience using hardware diagnostic tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters) to debug low‑level hardware issues.
• Practical programming experience writing C++ for hardware interfacing and Python for test automation.

Nice-To-Have

• Familiarity with high‑speed video interfaces such as MIPI CSI-2, GMSL, or FPD-Link.
• Experience using optical lab equipment (collimators, calibration targets) or conducting environmental testing (shock, vibration, thermal).
• Familiarity with ROS2.
• Previous experience working in the defence, aerospace, or autonomous vehicle sectors.

At Stark Defence, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high‑performing team. We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under‑represented. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

If you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications—ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points. We value unique perspectives, adaptability, and a drive to solve high‑stakes challenges.

Security Clearance:

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.